TALES OF TURKEY

Tales of Turkey “enter the world of unique elegance”

Day 1: ISTANBUL

Day 2: ISTANBUL

Upon arrival in Istanbul Airport you will be welcomed by your private hostess to assist you throughout all the passport and visa procedures. After meeting your private guide at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel to have some time to relax. In the afternoon you will board your private boat and launch for a cruise along the Bosphorus, which is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to Marmara Sea. View grand Ottoman palaces including Dolmabahce, Ciragan, Beylerbeyi and witness the bridges on the Bosphorus combine continents together like pearl necklaces as your guide narrates the city's history and points out its landmarks. Return to your hotel for overnight.

After the breakfast at the hotel, depart for the full day tour of Istanbul. Your first stop will be the Hippodrome where chariot races were held with a capacity of 100000 spectators. Walk to the Blue Mosque famous for its six minarets and magnificent blue tiles from Nicea. Then continue to world famous Hagia Sophia (The Divine Wisdom Church) which has one of the largest domes in the world and was built in 6th century A.D. by the Emperor Justinian. After visiting this breathtaking church you will be introduced to the richness of Ottomans by visiting the Topkapi Palace housing the Sultans for 400 years. Today your last visit will be the oldest covered market place in the world with around 3000 shops, the mind boggling Grand Bazaar. Overnight in your hotel.

ISTANBUL

EPHESUS Day 5: CAPPADOCIA

Day 6: EPHESUS (KUSADASI)

Your adventure in Cappadocia continues with a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the most interesting underground settlements in the area. Another open air museum; Soganli Valley located in wild natural settings near a typical Cappadocian village with its different style rock-cut churches and frescoes. Villages in the valleys, surrounded by the "Table Top" mountains, are spectacular. Next visit is a newly discovered ancient site called Sobessos with mosaics, houses and a big church. You will see the latest excavations here. Continue to the Medrese (Theological School) from Seljuk Turks in Taskinpasa is the witness of an early and rich Turkish settlement in the town. Your tour finishes with a visit to Mustafapasa (Sinasos), an old Greek town with its spectacular Greek houses; a very fine examples of the late Greek settlements and architecture.

Today, you will fly to Izmir from where you will drive to world famous archeological site, ancient city of Ephesus. It was once the most important commercial center of Asia Minor where St. Paul spent three years during his missionary journeys. Visit the council chamber, the temples, the fountains, the Terrace Houses (houses of rich people) and the Great Theater with 24000 seating capacity, walk on the harbor street where mark Anthony and Cleopatra had walked. Then continue to the Ephesus Museum where you can see the artifacts were found. Continue to the Basilica of St. John and to the Temple of Artemis which was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. If required, you may conclude your tour with the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days. You will be transferred to Bodrum where you will embark your private gullet boat for your blue cruise.

Day 3: ISTANBUL

Day 4: CAPPADOCIA

Today your first visit will be the Chora Monastery (Church) baring the extraordinary frescoes and mosaics which indicated a new Byzantine art movement that was parallel to the Italian Renaissance started by Giotto. Then to the Suleymaniye Mosque that was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan for the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent.

Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Cappadocia; "the land of beautiful horses" will welcome you with an outstanding geography. The rock formations beyond belief in Devrent Valley and walking in Zelve is like a journey in the past with its troglodyte houses. Visiting Pasabag is like hearing the voice of wind mixing with the songs of fairies. Then you will continue to Avanos, the center of terra cotta art since 3000 B.C. and feel the clay & mud with your fingers while you enjoy the demonstration by a master in a traditional pottery workshop. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum and the best examples of Byzantine Art in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings. Climb on top of the Uchisar rock-castle as you have the panoramic view of the valleys in Cappadocia. Overnight in your unique cave hotel.

Enter to a mystic world by visiting the Underground Cistern with 336 columns. Later catch a whiff of cinnamon, cloves, thyme and other exotic spices as you wander around the Spice Bazaar. Free afternoon to explore Istanbul on your own and overnight in your hotel.

BLUE CRUISE

CAPPADOCIA Day 7 - 10: BODRUM - BLUE CRUISE Day 11: ISTANBUL This morning, you will disembark your gullet and be transferred to the Bodrum Airport for your flight to Istanbul. After arriving in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel for some time to relax. In the afternoon, your first visit will be to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. It was built in 1521 by the Grand Vizier to Suleyman the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasha as his residence. Today it holds a superb collection of ceramics, metalwork, miniatures, calligraphy, textiles and woodwork as well as some of the oldest carpets in the world. Then continue to the Mosaic Museum which preserves exceptionally fine fifth and sixth century mosaic pavements and decoration pieces from the Grand Palace of the Byzantine emperors. Overnight in your hotel.

Day 12: ISTANBUL Transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home.

CAFTAN Turkish & Islamic Art Museum

ISTANBUL

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul

Hotel Les Ottomans On the shores of the Bosphorus, a place of historical magic and magnificent night life, Hotel Les Ottomans offers guests one of the most beautiful views in the world.

Four Seasons Hotel - Bosphorus A true urban retreat, Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus combines the unique culture of Istanbul with the warmth and relaxation of waterside living.

Park Hyatt Istanbul, Macka Palas One of the finest buildings in the city now houses the exquisite Park Hyatt Istanbul - combining beautiful historic architecture of an Art Deco building with innovative interior design.

Four Seasons Hotel - Sultanahmet Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Old City provides a glimpse of Istanbul’s history, with its great mosques, opulent palaces and Byzantine ruins. Discover all of these and more at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – a historical treasure.

A'jia Hotel Imagine an incredible hideout where the mysteries of Istanbul, a magnificent history and the inmost passion come together...a mansion that combines future and a past with a magical touch of white and the deep blue sea...Welcome to A'jia Hotel!

The Ritz-Carlton With Turkish-inspired style and décor, and a setting amid Istanbul's historic sights and rich cultural attractions, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul offers every luxury to business travelers and vacationers alike who wish to enhance their travel experience.

W Istanbul The modern centerpiece of the historic Akaretler Row Houses . . . a glittering tower amidst gilded domes and minarets. Dynamic finance and chic shopping here, old city and ancient monuments there - one will find the best of both worlds at the W Istanbul.

Sumahan Sea & sky, framed by picture windows, blend into the blues & grays of the guest suites at Sumahan on the water - the picture perfect sea-side escape.

The Sofa Hotel & Residences Located in the heart of chic shopping & arts district, The Sofa Hotel in Istanbul, Turkey, offers every luxury to business travelers & vacationers.

CAPPADOCIA

Argos in Cappadocia Museum Hotel

Anatolian Houses Hotel

Yunak Houses Cave Hotel

Museum Hotel, established in a beautiful area of Uchisar, was came into existence after the restoration of old ruins, paying utmost attention to the preservation of their originality. Due to its unique location all the rooms, restaurant and terraces overlook the unique panorama of Cappadocia.

Anatolian Houses is a luxurious new boutique hotel located in the fairytale-like surroundings of Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hotel is built within the cave formations that are part of Cappadocia's historical structure.

In Cappadocia’s magical landscape of fairy chimneys, in the ancient village of Urgup, is a luxurious hotel carved into a mountain cliff, the Yunak Evleri. This hotel includes six cave houses, 30 rooms dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries and a 19th century Greek Mansion.

Gamirasu Cave House Hotel

Cappadocia Cave Resort Spa Hotel

Sacred House Hotel

Breathtaking panoramic view over the magical lunar landscape of Cappadocia; dining experiences, cozy and intimate accommodations, a very exclusive, private spa and memories to last a lifetime.

Sacred House is a 250 years old Greek mansion hewn from caves where history, art and modern comforts meet to provide that certain old-world touch... It is as magical and unusual as you could imagine at this very individual hotel.

Gamirasu is the name of an exquisitely restored twenty-fiveroom troglodyte cave house opened in 1999, in Ayvali Village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey.

BODRUM

The Marmara Bodrum Dolce Vita

Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay With a commanding view over the Aegean Sea, combined with a magnificent architecture, Kempinksi Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum caters to those who appreciate their privacy while indulging in luxury.

Casa Dell'Arte Casa dell'Arte is an art house that brings Bodrum a completely new dimension of art, and luxury understanding... welcoming its guests to combine their vacation with their passion for art.

Ada Hotel Relax and sip your favorite drink in the lush garden of the Ada Hotel before retreating back to your traditional style room, accented with pale corals and rock infused walls.

USING THE PROGRAM... The “Tales of Turkey” Program is based on four different parts. These are Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Bodrum for Blue Cruise. Accordingly you can also sell each part solely to your guests. We have grouped the “alternatives”, “add-ons” and how to use these parts as a “single tour” down below. ADD-ON You may simply add additional attractions, visits, tours or dinner reservations to the program.

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ALTERNATIVE You may alter/change the existing program to meet your guests preference. NEW - “Use as a SINGLE TOUR” This is completely a new tour out of a tour. You may use the first 3 days of the itinerary in Istanbul as Pre & Post Cruise Program (Day 4 and 5 of Cappadocia as add-on) or use Day 2 and/or Day 6 seperately as a daily private tour for your guests visiting Kusadasi or Istanbul Ports onboard any cruise ship.

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Please kindly contact us for quotation details.

ISTANBUL alternative

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add-on

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BOSPHORUS CRUISE Your guests may either cruise the beautiful Bosphorus in the afternoon as per the tour program or dine onboard in the evening viewing the magnificent city of Istanbul by night with all the famous monuments lit up. PRIVATE HELICOPTER TOUR Have your guests fly over the open air museum: Istanbul. This is a breathtaking lifetime experience to watch the precious relics of three world dominating empires Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman which İstanbul has been the capital. A unique link between east and west, past and present. Your guests will enjoy watching Europe and Asia when flying over the Bosphorus. PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS While touring in Istanbul during the day, evenings cannot be spent without a perfect dinner by the Bosphorus. The private chauffeur will be at your guests service… PRE & POST TOURS FOR CRUISERS The Tales of Turkey Tour is designed especially so that can be tailored to suit any preference. The first 3 days (Day12-3) of the tour can be used as a Pre & Post Cruise Tour and Day 4 and Day 5 in Cappadocia can be included in the tour as Add-On Package for those guests embarking or disembarking their cruise ship in Istanbul. PRIVATE ISTANBUL TOURS FOR CRUISERS You may sell Day 2 of the program to your guests as a stand alone private tour of Istanbul.

CAPPADOCIA add-on

PRIVATE BALOON RIDE OVER THE FAIRY CHIMNEYS Visiting Cappadocia is never complete without flying over those mirable fairy chimneys. The spectacular surrealistic landscapes….. Drift over and between fairy chimneys, pigeon houses hewn into the unique rock formations, orchards and vineyards - through impressive valleys, each with distinctive rock formations, colors and features – and then float up over rippled ravines for breathtaking views over the region. Champagne celebration is on its way….

EPHESUS (KUSADASI) The only ancient city on earth that still stands and claims its elegance…. alternative

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If your guests are interested in archeology or history, then we would like to take them to some of the world's best preserved ancient sites, from Greek and Roman times and beyond. By adding another day or days to the Tales of Turkey Tour your guests may easily visit the other ancient sites during their journey. “If you wish to hear what the city tells, be its guest….” Have your guests dine under the moon light while a chamber group plays classical music and they will enjoy the ambience, as it must have been thousands of years ago. PRIVATE EPHESUS TOURS FOR CRUISERS We provide customized, private tours carried out by professional guides and qualified drivers for our guests travelling with top rated cruise ships visiting Istanbul, Ephesus (Kusadasi), Izmir and Antalya Ports. You may sell Day 6 of the program to your guests as a stand alone private tour to Ephesus.

BODRUM - BLUE CRUISE alternative

alternative

GREEK ISLAND UNDER THE CANOPY OF THE SAILS… According to the Tales of Turkey program, your guests will be cruising the crystal clear waters of Mediterranean, visiting untouched bays... But why not to diversify the itinerary with some of the close by Greek islands… SPA Spa treatment is an option in Bodrum or even in Istanbul following your blue cruise. You will be renew your mind & soul before heading back home.

Meander Travel TURKEY Kibris Cad. No:1/A 09400 Kusadasi/AYDIN, TURKEY PB.192 Phone : + 90 256 614 73 44 (pbx) + 90 212 444 19 45 Fax : + 90 256 612 72 95 USA 475 Park Avenue South 30th Floor New York, NY 10016 Phone : + 212 616 50 32 [email protected] www.meandertravel.com